STRONG AT THE BROKEN PLACES Voices of Illness, a Chorus of Hope

Mel Foster's deep, strong narration gives listeners the stability they need for this emotionally intense audio about five people with chronic diseases. Though each has faced an almost certain death sentence, all have found a power in life. Ben, with muscular dystrophy, realizes a publishing dream, and Sarah, a social worker, is exhausted but not spiritually diminished by Crohn's disease. Foster differentiates the five with fitting portrayals. Denise, who has ALS, has stilted speech that is still robust and resilient. Buzz, a religious man with terminal cancer, has a slow, steady pressing-on voice that reflects his determination. Soft-voice Southern tones portray Larry and his escape from the passions of his bipolar condition to fulfillment in advocating for the mentally ill. S.W. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: APR/ MAY 08]